Madera Canyon is accessed from Interstate I-19 about 30 miles south of Tucson and 30 miles north of Nogales, AZ on the US – Mexico border. Exit I-19 at exit 63 that is titled Continental Road and Madera Canyon. Turn east on Continental Road, continue straight ahead through a traffic signal, cross the Santa Cruz River, and turn right at the next four-way stop. You are now on Whitehouse Canyon Road. Cross the railroad tracks and continue up the hill to the southeast. Slow down for the Continental School, cross the cattle guard and you are now in the Santa Rita Experimental Range operated by the University of Arizona for research on grasses, grazing, and range fire. If you are a birder, there are many species that can be found along this road as you drive up through the grassland bajada towards the canyon.

After about six miles turn right on the paved Madera Canyon Road. If you continue straight ahead on the gravel road, you can access the headquarters of the Experimental Range or continue through Box Canyon to state route 83. Heading south on Madera Canyon Road you will cross three one-lane bridges then climb towards Madera Canyon between Mt. Wrightson on your left and Mt. Hopkins on the right.